Tungsten Selection and Prep AC Waveshape Controls

Tungsten Type Application Notes Diameter Amp Range Feature Setting Arc Effect Weld Effect
Good all-around tungsten for 0.020" 5–20
2% Cerium AC Balance Control Reduces balling
both AC and DC welding. 0.040" 10–80
Controls arc cleaning action. 75% EN action and helps
1/16" 10–150 maintain point Bead
Adjusting the % EN of the AC
Excellent low amp starts for 3/32" 60–250 wave controls the width of

Current
1.5 –2% Lanthanum % EP
AC and DC welding. 1/8" 100–400 the etching zone surrounding 0
5/32" 160–500 the weld.
% EN
Minimum visible
Commonly used for DC welding, 3/16" 190–750 Time oxide removal (etching)
2% Thorium Note: Set the AC Balance control
not ideal for AC. 1/4" 325–1100
for adequate arc cleaning Increases balling
PURE TUNGSTEN (green) is NOT recommended!
See Owner’s Manual
(etching) action at the sides 50% EN action of the
For best results in most applications use a sharpened and in front of the weld puddle. electrode Bead
for more information. AC Balance should be fine-tuned

Current
cerium or lanthanum electrode for AC and DC welding. % EP
according to the amount of 0
Visible oxide
% EN
etching desired. removal (etching)
Tungsten Preparation: Sharpen tungsten for AC and DC welding with the Dynasty. Time

CORRECT INCORRECT IDEAL GRIND ANGLE RANGE AC Frequency Control Wider profile
Ideal preparation — stable arc Wrong preparation — wandering arc Controls the width of the arc
60 Hz ideal for buildup work
15˚ to 30˚ cone. Increasing the AC Bead
Straight ground Radial ground

Current
Frequency provides a more 0
% EP

Arc wander focused arc and increased % EN

Visible oxide
Stable arc
AC EFFECT directional control. Time removal (etching)
Blunt tip Pointed tip Note: Decreasing the AC
Slight meltback Frequency softens the arc and Narrower profile
Grinding Grinding
wheel wheel
of electrode tip broadens the weld puddle for a 120 Hz for fillet welds
wider weld. and automated Bead
Note: Do not use wheel for other jobs or tungsten can become contaminated.

Current
%
EP
%
EP applications
0

Tip: Blunting the tip of the electrode is sometimes done to help maintain consistent geometry and resist % EN % EN Visible oxide
tungsten erosion. This is especially helpful in AC when melt-back of the tungsten electrode is common. Time removal (etching)

Pulsed TIG Controls

The Pulsed TIG function switches the amperage from a high (peak) to a low (background) at a set rate (PPS). Pulsing can reduce
heat input by lowering the average amperage, increasing control of the weld puddle, penetration and distortion. The following
parameters can be adjusted for desired results:

Parameter Control Panel Abbreviation Adjustment

Pulses Per Second PPS Rate of pulsing between high and low

Low-Speed Pulse High-Speed Pulse

1 to 10 pulses per second (PPS) will produce a distinct
ripple pattern in the weld bead. Can be used to time filler
addition, reduce distortion and improve control.
Distinct ripple pattern
100 pulses per second (PPS) and higher helps to focus the arc
for increased stability, penetration and travel speed. Increased
puddle agitation improves weld microstructure.
Focused arc increases travel speed
and penetration
Narrow bead and HAZ

Tip: Begin welding at factory default settings of 100 PPS, 40% peak and 25% background amps. Adjust the frequency (PPS)
MillerWelds.com to change width and appearance.

# 263081A © 2013 Miller Electric Mfg. Co.